Classic Soft Pretzels

I love soft pretzels, so when I was looking though Bakingbites.com blog and found the recipe I couldn't resist making them. These were the best pretzels I've ever made. Such a good recipe.
I made them a couple months back and today just whipped up the dough to freeze for later.
This is such an easy recipe and the dough rises quickly.
Once they were done baking I brushed them with butter and sprinkled with garlic powder, so yummy!

1/4 cup warm/hot water (110F)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water2 tbsp baking soda
1 cup cold water

Combine yeast, hot water and sugar in small dish and leave to foam for 5 minutes. Stir flour and salt in medium bowl. Add yeast mixture and 3/4 cup water and stir until everything comes together. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
Place in a slightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and leave to rise for one hour.
Dissolve baking soda in cold water. Preheat oven to 400F.
Punch down dough and cut into 8 pieces. Roll out each piece until approximately 18 inches long and twist into a pretzel shape. Dip pretzel into baking soda mixture and place on parchment covered baking sheet. Repeat to make 8 pretzels.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.